Our Ref: HSR/1/19
Head Office Circular: NP/112/16
08th April 2016
The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague
Network Rail – Occupational Health Service
Concerns have been expressed over the quality of Network Rails new Occupational Health providers OH Assist (who provide Occupational Health Services) and Alere Toxicology (who carry out the company’s drug and alcohol testing programme). The concerns have been raised over three main issues: Return to work telephone interviews, HAVS screening and Drug and Alcohol testing in the workplace.
The National Executive Committee has taken the following decision:
“We note the report on file and the offer from Network Rail to include our Lead Health and Safety Representatives in the review of form letters to be sent out by the company’s Occupational Health provider. Self Assessment questionnaires may be a first step in protecting our members from developing debilitating conditions such as Vibration White Finger, but we do not believe the company have communicated the benefits of Health Screening in a way that will be understood by our members. The General Secretary is instructed to produce a briefing paper for our members of the responsibilities of all parties and the benefits for our members. This briefing paper to be widely circulated amongst RMT membership. We also note the separate Industrial Relations file on workplace health assessments and compliance with Blue Book agreements.
Branch’s and Regional Councils to be advised.”
I am in the process of carrying out those instructions.
Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of relevant members.
Yours sincerely
Mick Cash
General Secretary